Japanese immigration to American began in 1882. Because the Chinese immigrants were being kept out at the time, there was a need for cheap labor in California. The Japanese were more highly regarded than the Chinese and were praised for their cleanliness and elegant and honorable culture. Unlike the Chinese the Japanese usually assimilated and had little trouble adopting western dress, customs and the English language. However, as their numbers increased the white Californians viewed them more harshly. The Japanese were often savvy businessmen and fierce competitors. Unlike the Chinese they would not work low paying menial jobs. Japanese immigration was unhindered by state or federal legislation. However towards the end of the 19th century Japanese/American relations were strained. The annexation of the the Philippines and Hawaii by the United States made them a competitor with Japan in the Pacific Ocean. Furthermore, California labor unions stirred up anti-Japanese sentiment. Soon the Japanese would be lumped together with the downtrodden Chinese as outcasts in American society.
A Century Later
Americans with Japanese ancestry still primarily inhabit the West Coast.